What does 'guaranteed issue' mean in health insurance?

Guaranteed issue means an insurer must offer coverage to an eligible applicant regardless of their health status or medical history, and cannot decline them or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. This consumer protection is a feature of various group plans and, under the Affordable Care Act, of individual major medical coverage sold in the marketplace. Guaranteed issue increases access for people with health conditions, balanced by mechanisms (like enrollment periods) that manage adverse selection. The specific requirements derive from state and federal law and can change. Understanding guaranteed issue as the obligation to cover regardless of health status is standard regulations content.